Stolen power tools and cannabis seized in Cannock

Thousands of pounds of stolen power tools and a large quantity of cannabis were seized during a police raid on two homes in Staffordshire.

But one of the uncovered items, a £500 petrol strimmer, has been returned to a church in Norton Canes after police were able to identify the owner through a SmartWater security mark.

Police raided the homes in New Street and Mosswood Street, in the Bridgtown area of Cannock, early on Wednesday.

No arrests were made but a 28-year-old man from Cannock came forward and was interviewed by police. Most of the property is believed to have been stolen from neighbouring residents.

Members of St James Church in Norton Canes collected the strimmer, which was stolen on March 2.

Inquiries into the burglaries are ongoing and officers are asking residents to check their sheds and outbuildings for signs of break-ins.

Sgt David Edge, from Cannock Chase local policing team, said: "This is a fantastic example of how effective forensic marking solutions, such as SmartWater, are at linking crime victims with stolen property."

He added: "We're determined to crack down on both drug supply and acquisitive crime." The street value of the cannabis is not yet known.